In contrast to other large sites in Spain, the identification of Madinat al-Zahra, the beginning of its research and recovery are very recent.

In 1911, the first excavations were carried out, which continued throughout the 20th century, with the interruptions of the Spanish war and the start of the regional power transfer process.

During this long and fruitful period, and in particular, under the management of the architect, Félix Hernández, the central part of the fortress was excavated, with a surface area of some 10.5 ha., and the basic lines of the layout of the palace were defined, undertaking, in addition, important restorations such as that of the Salón de Abd al-Rahman III (The Drawing Room of Abd al-Rahman III).

In 1985, the Junta de Andalucía took charge of Madinat al-Zahra, and assigned the site the protection of an institutional figure, the Archaeological Ensemble, and new protection and management instruments. A wide collection of materials is held in the Archaeological and Ethnological Museum of Córdoba.